A CHINESE EXPORT SCALLOPED OVAL STAND circa 1785

painted with a man holding a gilt horn and seated on the ground before a second man playing a similar horn while their seated hound listens attentively, the rim with an iron-red and grisaille cell diaper band and molded beneath with veining to resemble a lotus pad.  Some touch-ups to the enamels and gilding.

The collection of Edmund W. Mudge, Jr., sold, Christie's, New York, May 22, 1985, lot 108
Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge, New York
Sold, Sotheby's, London, May 21, 1991, lot 162

San Francisco, Fall Antiques Show, 1995

Gilding in the horns retouched, seated man's left stocking rectouched.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Dishes of this unusual shape are more often found decorated with a gentleman seated beside a recumbent elephant, and serving as a stand for a recumbent elephant tureen of the type illustrated by Sargent, pp. 206, no. 100, who also illustrates the pair of dishes separately, p. 208, fig. 100a.